Yoruba Nimi Empowerment Foundation (YNEF) has expressed strong opposition to House Bill 2057 (HB.2057), a proposed amendment to the Nigerian Constitution that seeks to redefine indigeneity.
The bill aims to grant indigenous status to individuals based on birth, continuous residence of at least ten years, or marriage.
According to the president of the group, Balogun Olaseni Bokini, indigeneity is not something one acquires through mere residence or marriage; it is an inheritance passed down through generations, woven into the very fabric of a people’s history.
He noted that the bill could lead to the marginalisation of authentic indigenous populations, noting that those with no genuine ancestral connection to land may claim indigene rights.
He said this could result in the displacement of original inhabitants from economic opportunities, governance structures, and access to local resources.
Bokini noted that the bill’s passage could serve as a threat to local culture and governance, as external influences may dictate the affairs of indigenous communities without understanding or respecting their cultural nuances.
He, therefore, urged the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and all stakeholders to reject HB.2057 in its entirety, saying Yoruba land, with its long-established system of monarchy, chieftaincy, and traditional councils, is particularly vulnerable to disruption.
He said: “The fundamental problem with the bill lies in its attempt to replace birthright, ancestral lineage, and deep-rooted cultural identity with superficial, time-bound criteria. Indigeneity is not something one acquires through mere residence or marriage; it is an inheritance passed down through generations, woven into the very fabric of a people’s history. To tamper with this is to undermine the essence of our traditional societies.
“Every indigenous community in Nigeria has a distinct governance system, deeply rooted in traditions that have been carefully upheld for centuries. The passage of HB.2057 would create an avenue for those without historical ties to a land to participate in and influence its governance, often without understanding or respecting its cultural nuances.
“We call on all Yoruba sons and daughters, and indeed all Nigerians who value their heritage, to reject HB.2057 and demand its immediate withdrawal. Let us unite to ensure that our birthright is not sacrificed in the name of political convenience. Our ancestors fought to preserve our identity—now, it is our turn to defend it.
“Indigeneity is not up for negotiation. It is a sacred right that has preserved communities, cultures, and traditions for generations. HB.2057 is an assault on this legacy, and we must resist it with all our might.”
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